Chapter 3, The Peach Wood Comb of the Heart

Zhu Mingyue learned of this news from a notice, which was torn down by Hong Dou from a wall on South City Street. At that time, the common people were scrambling to see it, and among them, some scholars were emotionally agitated, gathering in crowds to cause disturbances, leading to clashes with the officials and soldiers. By the time Hong Dou took advantage of the chaos to tear down the notice, several scholars had already been beaten by the officials and soldiers, their heads bloodied.

Zhu Mingyue saw the young girl being brought back, tightly bound and with her mouth gagged, and could not help but say: "Lord Yao is the foremost minister before the emperor; even for such a trivial matter as capturing someone, it requires your personal involvement. Those Jinyiwei should really take responsibility and resign."

To express the legitimacy of the succession to the throne, there is nothing more soothing to the hearts of the people than the pen of the Hanlin Academy of the Wenyuan Pavilion. Especially the handwritten letters of the former officials undoubtedly serve as the best proof

Yao Guangxiao turned around upon hearing the voice, and not far to the north, the young girl was looking over with an expression of leisurely composure.

Zhu Mingyue walked to the north window, removed a section of the rosewood window support, and turned around to pour a cup of tea

Behind him followed several guards dressed in the same attire. The man's clothing was also quite peculiar, a black monk's robe adorned with golden thread trim, wide and flowing, with the stitching made of pure silver thread, showcasing understated luxury. As he stepped forward in his brocade boots, he exuded an air of ethereal grace, yet his urgency caused beads of sweat to form on his forehead.

The young woman bit her lip, as if she wanted to say "I'm sorry." However, her gaze suddenly widened at a certain point behind Zhu Mingyue, and she stumbled to her feet, ignoring the excruciating pain in her legs, and turned to run away.

At this moment, Hong Dou took a closer look and couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh, it's still a little girl!"

The seller seeks glory; better to die than to live in shame

Those who are well-versed in literature often consider themselves to be of high moral standing, yet they inevitably harbor a certain arrogance deep within. To persuade them, it is essential for the Emperor to personally intervene. Now that the Emperor has ascended the throne, the best opportunity for drafting the edict has been missed. However, if those old ministers are willing to speak, their single word carries more weight than a hundred words from anyone else in the court.

Zhu Mingyue glanced back at the makeup shop with a half-hanging door panel, nodded, and said, "Let's go. Father might need to return to the residence for a while, and then he will head to the yamen to attend to official business. I suppose he will need some lunch."

In the moment of eye contact, it seemed as if an inexplicable sensation flashed by, causing both to tremble.

Along the way, the red beans are smiling exuberantly

How inconsiderate, what kind of person collides with someone and doesn't even bother to say a word

At that moment, Hong Dou was just stepping over the threshold while holding a stewing pot filled with dessert. She nearly collided with the person coming out.

Zhu Mingyue made a sound of acknowledgment and walked straight over to the grid shelf on the north side, where a dazzling array of combs was displayed

She was once the chief secretary in the imperial court and also the most favored female official in the Wenhua Hall, yet she had never stepped outside the palace gates even once. Like every other woman placed in the inner chambers, she did not know which misstep would lead to her silent disappearance. She feared any potential dangers that could threaten her, never allowing herself a moment of relaxation.

Zhu Neng's figure, accompanied by a robust voice, vanished at the doorway like a gust of wind

Zhu Mingyue seemed to ask in a daze.

The shopkeeper stepped out from behind the counter, his eyes, filled with the weight of experience, fixed intently on the young lady before him. "Miss, if you wish to engrave characters on the wooden comb, you must sign on paper with your own hand. Otherwise, if you regret it in the future, this small shop cannot bear the cost of altering and remaking it. Are you certain those are the four characters you want?"

Zhu Neng did not need to think and immediately replied, "Who else could it be, other than some incompetent individuals? It's just those few sour scholars! They are both foul and hard, simply tougher to chew than bones"

Zhu Neng was taken aback: "An imperial edict?"

Many perceptive individuals have guessed that the new emperor will certainly take action against those imprisoned scholars; otherwise, relying solely on power and prohibitions will be insufficient to silence the voices of the world.

Lord Yao

On that night of the great fire in the palace, he had given her something before he left

To return to the residence in the west of the city, one needs to traverse the entire length of Chang'an Street, and then proceed north until reaching the outer street of Xi'an Gate. Taking a horse-drawn carriage will also take some time, and walking is indeed quite far

Under the astonished gaze of the attendant, Zhu Mingyue followed the shopkeeper into an inner room on the west side

Regardless of who is responsible for the surrender, the outcome will be the same. Why not let the Emperor face the wall himself? Now, not only is it the father, but it seems that none of those generals want to confront those in prison either

Yao Guangxiao's expression became increasingly unnatural, but he quickly calmed down and said: "It is quite a coincidence to meet Miss Yue here. You live in the west of the city, yet you have come all the way to the south dressed like this. Did you come specifically to... buy rouge?"

Zhu Mingyue looked at her inquiringly, "Why do you say that?"

At this moment, if the situation were to reverse, would father surrender? she asked softly

The red beans are somewhat inexplicable, and the carriage from the residence has stopped two streets away from here, yet they walked here on foot. The daughters of official families usually take a carriage or a sedan chair when leaving the residence, and even the daughters of humble households like Biyu would be veiled in light gauze. This time, dressed in plain clothes and traveling simply, it is unclear what the occasion is.

Where is the master in such a hurry to go right after the court has adjourned

Upon exiting the shop, the bright sunlight streamed in, and she raised her hand to shield her eyes, feeling a sudden pang of bitterness in her heart. That peach wood comb was the last item she possessed from the palace, and it was also the only remaining connection between her and that gentle, shy young man.

The shopkeeper looked up in astonishment, directly meeting her pair of lacquer-like eyes, their translucent hue accentuating a tear mole at the corner, as if weeping and lamenting. "This item, I once cherished like a treasure, handling it with utmost care and keeping it safe, fearing any neglect. Yet now, I have no choice but to exchange it for something else"

The impact was severe; had it not been for Hong Dou's quick reflexes in supporting her just in time, she would have nearly fallen to the ground. The other party was not so fortunate; in the moment of misalignment, they fell out violently.

Zhu Mingyue did not know whether to use some kind of secret code, in fact, he had never told her, only hastily advising that if she encountered great danger, she could take this peach wood comb to the rouge shop in the south of the city to find someone

The government office?

Zhu Mingyue lowered her head and took out a carefully wrapped small pouch from her sleeve—gently lifting it open, it revealed an exquisite peach wood comb, which she quietly placed on the crimson satin.

To enjoy the benefits of the ruler is to bear the worries of the ruler. It is kind of you, Miss, to be concerned about this matter said Yao Guangxiao with a smile

The wind flowed in through the skylight, rustling the papers on the desk with a sound reminiscent of a mournful sigh

Zhu Neng remarked, "Just in time, I haven't changed out of this official robe yet," and then stood up, bustling out the door.

The red bean was waiting at the corner of the alley, and from a distance, I saw her coming out, quickly throwing away the half-eaten candied hawthorn in my hand

The shopkeeper trembled as he took it, focusing intently on the four small characters engraved on the wooden comb: "Peach Wood Comb Heart." As he gazed at it, a sudden wave of sorrow surged within him, causing his eyes to turn red.

Will not return

She walked into the shop and cleared her throat lightly

Half-moon shape, fish shape, petal shape... The wood is dense and fine, with a thin lacquer that is smooth and glossy. It feels neither too light nor too heavy in hand, and the surface is embossed with patterns, exuding a rich sense of antiquity

He understood the meaning of his daughter. Once those people could be of use to the Emperor, even if they could no longer serve in the court, it would still provide the Emperor with a way out, and perhaps it could ensure their lives would be free from worry

The knowledge of the young lady is not greater than that of the gentleman

Hong Dou smiled and said, "Miss, rest assured. I merely find it novel; it is said that those who have renounced the world possess pure senses, yet who would have thought they would also yearn for the allure of worldly fragrances!"

"But they are different; they are all civil officials," Zhu retorted

Zhu Mingyue let out a light sigh, feeling a trace of helplessness and melancholy surge within her. Even after emerging from a battlefield where life and death were at stake, beneath her rugged and unrestrained demeanor, she still retained that sense of integrity and pure goodness

Hong Dou angrily scolded. At that moment, Zhu Mingyue barely steadied herself, rubbing her painfully sore elbow, and instinctively glanced at the figure on the ground.

What is going on here, in broad daylight, is there a dog chasing behind?

Then please come with this old man

Indeed, he does not believe he can persuade those stubborn mules

Zhu Mingyue responded with a smile, yet she understood that the conversation should end here and did not need to continue further

However, if one were to know her true intentions, they would surely blame her...

If today the Jianwen Emperor wins, those who will inevitably be imprisoned are these individuals

At this moment, a fellow came out, and upon seeing a stranger, he quickly put on a smiling face

This matter should not be delayed any longer; it would be better for the Emperor to summon them sooner, to spare them from enduring such suffering in prison

"When we return home later, do not speak recklessly in front of others upon seeing you in this state," Zhu Mingyue admonished.

The red bean called out loudly

Zhu Neng seemed to understand yet not fully grasped, and he nodded slightly. However, when asked to articulate the differences, he could not express them. His precious daughter had always been exceptionally intelligent since childhood. Even if he could not figure out the intricacies of this method, he was determined to try it, as it could save those people's lives.

The residence in the western part of the city is relatively remote, several streets away from the southern part of the city. Chang'an Street in the south faces the city wall of Hongwu Gate and is the most prosperous street in the entire Yingtian Prefecture; there is also a Confucius Temple on the street, and across the alleys lies the Qinhuai River, known for its ten miles of lantern reflections. Numerous antique shops selling calligraphy and paintings line Chang'an Street, interspersed with taverns that display slanted wine flags, enticing passing merchants with the wind.

He neither concerns himself with her matters, nor does she need to comment on his actions

At that moment, another person ran out from the alley, their pace not particularly fast, lagging behind significantly

The red bean nodded obediently, "Miss, are you going to buy something?"

Yao Guangxiao gestured to bring the person over and awkwardly said, "It is a maid from the residence"

She is likely just a young girl, and no matter how fast she runs, she cannot outpace the well-trained guards; moreover, being in the street, there is not even a place to hide.

The peach wood comb cannot untangle the turmoil of imperial power

The daughter asked, "Who are the people being held in prison?"

She didn't even glance at the girl who had been captured, as if nothing had happened at all. She simply offered a salute to Yao Guangxiao and left with Hong Dou. Behind her, the little girl, bound by the guards, kept calling out "Eh eh woo woo" incessantly

If you want it, this peach wood comb can be offered to you at a lower price

Zhu Mingyue recalled that the young woman indeed dressed like a maid, her appearance charming and beautiful. If one were to say she was a woman from a pleasure boat, her demeanor and actions were somewhat ambiguous. However, her hands were delicate and smooth, as white and tender as green onions, surely without a single callus.

It is certainly not a get-out-of-jail-free card

Zhu Mingyue was deeply moved by his sincerity and affection, yet could not help but worry about the troubles and disasters that this item might cause. Unlike jade, wood is not as precious, and being a gift from the emperor, it cannot be destroyed or discarded; it can only be returned to its original place.

It is an exquisitely crafted wooden comb, wrapped in red satin, with delicate characters engraved on it: Peach Wood Comb Heart

The man turned around, a flicker of an inscrutable expression in his eyes, "What?"

Zhu Mingyue looked at him and said, "Peace."

Zhu Mingyue remained silent

Zhu Neng let out a heavy sigh again

Before she could finish speaking, several people rushed past them like a gust of wind

He will never return again

concubine

Can the shopkeeper recognize this

Return the original item

No, it is a return

Zhu felt frustrated as he scratched his head, shaking it while speaking

The shopkeeper's head shook slightly, he opened his eyelids and pointed to the sandalwood plate placed on the table, which was filled with intricately carved small brocade boxes.

However, it only took a short while for the person to be captured

This item can be found in the hands of the young lady, which indicates that she is a person of considerable importance. May I ask, who was its original owner...

Yao Guangxiao slightly furrowed his brows, not expecting to encounter Zhu Mingyue in this place

It is not a plea for mercy, but merely a suggestion, Zhu Mingyue said

Miss, what would you like to change?

Red Bean supported her and complained

They are all intelligent individuals, and some things need not be said; they understand each other implicitly

Red Bean, quickly hold the carrying box steady, fortunately the stewing pot did not fall to the ground

The red bean flirtatiously blinked its eyes and said: "Miss, you may recall that not long ago, it was said that the Emperor intended to bestow a secular name upon Lord Yao, allowing him to return to secular life and appointing him as a nobleman and pillar of the state. However, this was repeatedly declined. In the end, he was only granted the position of Left Minister of Monks, and the temple was cleared for him to engage in quiet cultivation and meditation. Yet today, it appears to be a hidden paradise, a secret world!"

Zhu Mingyue gazed in the direction where several individuals were gradually running away, noticing that among them was a clearly distinguished imperial envoy from the court, albeit with a slight difference: he wore a rhinoceros belt that bore no insignia of rank. This special attire was recently conferred by the emperor himself, specifically designated to serve and protect a highly important official monk.

Zhu shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "Silly girl, don't forget the old saying, 'A sovereign's command is hard to disobey.' What status does the emperor hold, to personally descend into the prison? Isn't that degrading himself and inviting misfortune..."

Well

Father is going to the palace now

Having spent many years in the imperial city, Zhu Mingyue had very few opportunities to leave the palace

Until the city was breached and the situation was dire, how could those who were still gathering troops and preparing to fight to the death bow down for the sake of high official positions and rich rewards? No one understood them better than she did—those four words, "loyalty to the monarch and love for the country," were more important to those people than their own lives.

In the past, it was a battlefield encounter, each serving their own master, a struggle of life and death, allowing no room for even the slightest compassion. Now, however, it is different; Zhu Neng never expected that the one responsible for persuading the enemy to surrender would be himself

Zhu Mingyue smiled noncommittally and did not say anything further

Zhu Mingyue gently caressed the wooden comb, lightly covered it with the silk satin, and then handed it all over to the shopkeeper.

The coachman asked, "Where to?" Hong Dou lifted the curtain, helped her into the carriage, and simply replied, "South of the city." As for the names of the other streets and alleys, it was only upon arrival that one could discern them by the appearance of the shops.

If Father truly does not wish to, it would be better to return this matter to the Emperor" Zhu Mingyue said

The man glanced at her attire and shook his head, saying: "This is indeed not the case. There are a few pawn shops in the alley across the street."

Miss, should the carriage wait here?

Zhu was able to take the teacup handed to him by his daughter, opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, he let out a heavy sigh

Her voice is very soft and gentle

Are you looking to buy rouge, miss

"Go to the government office to find Minister Zhang, as there are likely some matters to attend to." Zhu Mingyue covered the tea and said, "You should tidy up a bit, and then come out with me later."

As soon as he finished speaking, the bound girl began to struggle, making a "wuwu" sound, shaking her head vigorously at the two of them, clearly expressing her extreme disagreement with Yao Guangxiao's words

Miss, shall we not pay attention to her?

Peach wood, the man pursed his lips, reached up to the top shelf of the grid rack, took down a brocade box, lifted the lid, and inside lay a very simple comb, small and fish-shaped, without even a single ornament on it

The shopkeeper was stunned for a moment, and after a brief pause, it seemed he understood something. His lips tightened, revealing a mix of sorrow, indignation, and coldness, "I understand now."

"So, you also hope that father will intercede?" Zhu was somewhat surprised, yet also felt a slight joy in being understood.

Stepping out of the alley, she raised her eyes to glance around, confirming that there were no unfamiliar faces following her, and then crossed the street, heading towards the old shop.

At this moment, Hong Dou spoke again, saying: "By the way, Miss, have you noticed that the girl captured by Yao Gong bears a resemblance to you, about sixty to seventy percent similar?"

It doesn't seem quite right either

Is Father perhaps thinking of pleading with the Emperor to spare those people

Zhu Mingyue said: "This is it. Although the purpose is the same—persuading to surrender—different individuals will have different objectives and effects."

Miss, this is ... ...

In the southwest corner of the Confucius Temple, there is an inconspicuous narrow alley. At the end of the alley, there is a small shop with an ancient eave, a low entrance, and an old signboard. The gilded characters on it are somewhat worn, and from a distance, one can discern the character "妆" (makeup)

From this point onward, there will be no further entanglements

Fang Xiaoru, Qi Tai, Huang Zicheng, Zhuo Jing, Lian Zining

The red bean let out a sound of "ah," and only then did it remember that before leaving the residence, it had not instructed the kitchen staff to prepare the ingredients, as it was uncertain whether the master had returned.

Zhu Mingyue gazed in the direction where the guards had hurried away, her expression gentle, "I wonder what urgent business could make Lord Yao so rushed"

The man spoke while taking out several brocade boxes to show her

Zhu Mingyue set down the teacup in her hand and glanced sideways at the moment her father stepped over the threshold. Indeed, there were still those who wished to plead for him, even among those who had once been adversaries, who would have liked nothing more than to see him dead

The man revealed a smile again, "Then you must be here. Our shop has the most complete selection of wooden combs on the entire street, with the finest being made of sandalwood and black locust, exuding a pure wooden fragrance, as well as those made of boxwood and pear wood..."

The shopkeeper suddenly raised his head, mouth agape, as if he wanted to argue further; however, after a long while, he was unable to utter a single word.

At that moment, the young girl also happened to look up and gaze at her

Peach wood comb for the heart

Indeed, there is not even a decent bit of makeup.

Do you not have eyes? How can you be so reckless!

A monk, where would he find a residence? The emperor indeed granted him a mansion, yet it remains unoccupied. If one were to say it is in the temple, with the flickering lamp and ancient Buddha, is there a beautiful maid hidden within?

Upon leaving the residence, I found myself facing the intersecting streets, which felt quite unfamiliar

Zhu Mingyue said no more, turned around, opened the door, and walked out of the inner chamber

Then an additional fee will be required, the attendant collected the other brocade boxes without even turning his head, "May I ask what words the young lady wishes to engrave?"

It is indeed quite a coincidence

Behind Hong Dou were two unfamiliar maidservants, both newly recruited to the household. Hong Dou, fearing that their lack of experience might offend their mistress, gave them numerous instructions. However, she soon discovered that these servants were exceptionally skilled in their tasks, proving themselves to be seasoned handmaidens from other officials' households.

That young lady possesses a beauty that rivals that of flowers and the moon; how can you be certain that she is not a government official or a monk relying on their power to commit acts of violence and forcibly seize women from the people

Does the young lady wish to purchase a wooden comb

There were naturally no dogs behind; they were clearly pursuing the girl from earlier.

The Emperor entrusted this matter not because he wanted my father to advise him against it, especially not to pardon the remnants of the previous dynasty. To let bygones be bygones is far from easy

The guards beside him noticed that he had stopped and also came to a halt. Yao Guangxiao cleared his throat, gave a signal to the guards with his eyes to continue the pursuit, while he himself calmly adjusted his robe and offered a smile to Zhu Mingyue

In the current situation, it is indeed necessary to sever ties with all past individuals and matters. The more thoroughly one can extricate oneself, the better. Who would still be so infatuated, clinging to some ridiculous oaths and promises? However, I would like to ask, if the owner of this object were to return in the future, what would the young lady do then?

Zhu Mingyue stood at the entrance of the alley, noticing that the shopkeeper was standing behind the counter, resting his chin on his hand, appearing drowsy. Inside the shop, there were no customers at all.

At this point, everything related to the Jianwen Emperor was erased, including the legitimacy of his reign. The new emperor also decreed the prohibition of the term "Jianwen" and banned any discussion regarding events from that period, so that court officials and common people could no longer utter the words "Jianwen".

In the dim light, the delicate wood exudes a unique luster

She shook her head

After Hong Dou finished speaking, there was another round of sighs and smacking of lips

The soundproofing here ensures that there are no disturbances from outsiders

Military generals possess the loyalty of military leaders, while civil officials uphold the integrity of scholars

Zhu Mingyue glanced at the shopkeeper and said, "If I wish to pawn some small items, would it be possible to make it convenient?"

The red bean seemed to be quite serious: "This servant does not think it looks that way. If it were truly a blatant robbery, how could Lord Yao personally lead people into the streets? From what I see, it looks more like a young concubine from some family has climbed over the wall to escape, and the master is angrily chasing after her!"

It was only after countless admonitions from the courtiers that this "difficult" decision was made, not to inherit the throne of the Jianwen Emperor, but to inherit the throne of Emperor Taizu Gao. On the eighteenth day, a summons was simultaneously issued to the Ministry of Rites, ordering the burial of the remains of the Jianwen Emperor and his family according to the proper rituals, but no posthumous title was granted to this "tragically deceased" emperor. All written documents and records from the Jianwen Emperor's reign were to be destroyed, while all laws and systems from the era of Emperor Taizu were to be restored.

Zhu leaned on his chin and said in a muffled voice: "Each serves their own master; in fact, they are not wrong."

She entered the palace as a companion reader, aiming to provide support, yet what she sought was the safety and peace of her family; now that she has left the palace, she does not seek power, does not covet wealth, and has no desire to return to that place of golden bricks and red walls. Therefore, she has severed all ties to the past and is unwilling to have any further associations with the old dynasty

The master and servant returned along the original path, and they needed to inquire if there was a shortcut back. Just as they turned out of the alley, Hong Dou was mumbling something, when Zhu Mingyue, who was walking in front, collided head-on with a figure rushing towards them.

The silk dress and pure silver bead flowers, typical attire of a commoner's daughter, appear elegant and distinctive on her, much like the breeze stirring the willow catkins and spring flowers reflecting on the water, particularly captivating. At this age, where light makeup is perfectly suitable, even without powder and rouge, her natural beauty is hard to conceal.

The red bean turned back every three steps to ask.

Zhu Mingyue nodded

Zhu Mingyue casually picked out one and asked, "Is there a peach wood one?"

After a moment of silence, Zhu Mingyue said

During the five years that my daughter spent in the palace, from the time when the former master was still the Crown Prince, she witnessed the deep camaraderie between the sovereign and his ministers. Until the passing of the Great Ancestor, when the former master ascended the throne, those individuals had sworn an oath to remain by the side of the former master, entrusted with the Great Ancestor's last wishes. Now, as he has been forced to self-immolate, the enmity of family and country is but a reflection of this; the humiliation of the sovereign leads to the death of the minister, and they will absolutely not surrender... Until the passing of the Great Ancestor, when the former master ascended the throne, those individuals had sworn an oath to remain by the side of the former master, entrusted with the Great Ancestor's last wishes. Now, as he has been forced to self-immolate, the enmity of family and country is but a reflection of this; the humiliation of the sovereign leads to the death of the minister, and they will absolutely not surrender...

I would like to engrave some words on this wooden comb handle

The tightly wrapped peach wood comb was rewrapped, and at the moment it was released, it seemed to have lost its original spirit and warmth. Even the luster on its surface dimmed accordingly

At that moment, there was a slight movement at the counter; the shopkeeper had awakened. The attendant turned to look and heard the shopkeeper say: "Go cover the counter, we will not be doing business today"

It is Miss Yue'er

How could a person like Yao Guangxiao keep a beautiful girl by his side

No need, we will go back by ourselves later, Zhu Mingyue paused for a moment and then said: "You stay here and wait for me to come out"

The shopkeeper once again closed the door and carefully lowered the curtain

It is actually Yao Guangxiao

What is the purpose and effect

It is a very young face, and the girl who fell to the ground has somewhat tattered clothes, with her chin also smeared with dirt, appearing somewhat disheveled, yet this does not detract from her exquisite and outstanding beauty. Interestingly, there is also a tear mole at the corner of her right eye, a delicate rosy hue, shimmering and sorrowful, resembling a droplet of blood on the verge of falling.

The shopkeeper closed his eyes briefly, turned his back, and tears, murky and heavy, slipped from the corners of his eyes. Yet, he carefully wrapped the wooden comb, as if it were a fragile treasure, unwilling to let others desecrate it

This is her father

Is the young lady's matter taken care of

The coronation ceremony of the King of Yan is scheduled for July 17

They are all people of the Jianwen Emperor, many of whom are former subordinates and old colleagues of mine. I hope they can recognize the times and avoid suffering physical pain.

The shopkeeper sniffled and sighed repeatedly, "Indeed, indeed, it is already this time, what more can be said? If this old man remembers correctly, when the young lady entered, she inquired whether it was possible to pawn."

A space measuring ten feet on each side, narrow and somewhat dim and obscure

In a short period, the court's edicts were issued to various regions like snowflakes. The edicts simultaneously announced the news of the new emperor's ascension to the throne, yet changed the fourth year of the Jianwen era to the thirty-fifth year of the Hongwu era; the following year would be designated as the first year of the Yongle era

After listening to Zhu Mingyue's remarks, Zhu Neng let out a long sigh, his brows furrowing even tighter.

Zhu Mingyue whispered to herself

Yao Guangxiao said, glancing towards the old headgear shop at the end of the alley

Zhu Mingyue nodded

Father, have you considered that among those detained so-called court officials, including the Vice Minister of War Qi Tai, the others are all Grand Secretaries? The collective knowledge of all scholars in the world cannot surpass them, and they were also the backbone during the Jianwen period, holding great prestige. The Emperor has just ascended the throne; what he needs is loyalty, and he requires such individuals to draft edicts for him.